The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world

Discover the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world, from the 142.8m Sailing Yacht A to the 70m Badis I, with specs, designs, and unique features.

Sailing yachts represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering, blending the romance of wind-powered travel with cutting-edge technology and luxurious design. Unlike motor yachts, which rely on engines, these vessels harness the wind’s power, requiring intricate engineering to balance massive masts, heavy keels, and complex sail plans. The largest sailing yachts in the world are not just about size—they embody innovation, craftsmanship, and the vision of their owners. This article explores the top 10 largest sailing yachts, detailing their specifications, unique features, and the engineering marvels that make them stand out. From the sail-assisted Sailing Yacht A to the classic schooner Atlantic, these yachts redefine luxury on the high seas.

The Challenges of Building Sailing Superyachts

Constructing a sailing superyacht is a monumental task. Naval architects, marine engineers, and designers must collaborate to create vessels that withstand the immense forces of wind and waves. The masts, often towering over 100 meters, require precise counterbalancing with heavy keels to ensure stability. Sail plans must be efficient yet manageable, and interiors must remain functional when the yacht heels. These challenges elevate sailing yachts to a unique class of engineering artistry, combining aesthetics with performance.

The following list ranks the top 10 largest sailing yachts by length overall (LOA), with detailed specifications and insights into their design and functionality. For clarity, we’ve included a table summarizing key metrics and a Mermaid chart to visualize their size hierarchy.

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.81m

Sailing Yacht A, launched in 2017 by the renowned German shipyard Nobiskrug, is a groundbreaking vessel that redefines luxury and innovation on the high seas. Often referred to as the world’s largest sailing yacht, it is technically a sail-assisted motor yacht, combining the elegance of sail power with the reliability of motor propulsion.

Designed by the visionary Philippe Starck, its futuristic aesthetic, characterized by a sleek, monolithic hull and minimalist lines, has sparked both admiration and debate. The yacht’s three towering 100-meter carbon fiber masts, among the tallest in the world, support an impressive 3,747 square meters of sail area, enabling it to harness wind power while its hybrid propulsion system ensures unmatched performance.

With a gross tonnage of 12,558, it surpasses most yachts in sheer volume, offering an array of extravagant amenities, including a submarine garage, four tenders, and a touch-and-go helipad. Its engineering and design push the boundaries of maritime architecture, making it a floating icon of opulence and innovation.

2. Koru | 127m

The yacht Koru derives its name from the Māori word meaning “new beginnings.” This name reflects its significance as Oceanco’s flagship vessel, marking a new chapter in luxury yacht design and engineering. Commissioned by Jeff Bezos, Koru embodies innovation and grandeur, being the largest pure sailing yacht in the world at 127 meters.

Its name symbolizes the fresh start it represents for both its owner and the yacht-building industry, blending traditional schooner aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious features. The yacht’s massive scale, with three towering masts exceeding 230 feet, and its accompanying 75-meter support vessel, Abeona, further emphasize its monumental presence, justifying its reputation as “big” in both size and ambition.

3. Sea Cloud | 109.52m

Sea Cloud, built in 1931 by Germaniawerft in Germany, is a historic four-masted barque with a storied past. Originally a private yacht for heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, it served as a U.S. Coast Guard weather ship during World War II, notably with a racially integrated crew—a groundbreaking move at the time. Today, it operates as a luxury charter cruise ship with 32 cabins and a 60-person crew. Its 3,000 square meters of sail and vintage design make it a living piece of maritime history.

Specifications:

Sea Cloud’s longevity and classic aesthetic set it apart, though its cruise ship role blurs the line between yacht and passenger vessel.

4. Black Pearl | 106.7m

Delivered in 2018 by Oceanco, Black Pearl is a technological marvel, renowned for its DynaRig system and eco-friendly design. Its three carbon fiber masts support 2,877 square meters of sail, which can be deployed in seven minutes. The yacht’s solar array and variable pitch propellers harness kinetic energy, allowing transoceanic voyages without fuel. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Ken Freivokh, Black Pearl combines luxury with sustainability.

Specifications:

Black Pearl’s ability to cross oceans emissions-free sets a new standard for sailing yachts, making it a favorite among eco-conscious enthusiasts.

5. Eos | 92.93m

Eos, a 92.93-meter three-masted schooner, was built by Lürssen in 2006 for American media mogul Barry Diller. Designed by Langton Design Associates, its aluminum hull and François Catroux interiors offer space for 16 guests and 21 crew. Despite a fire in Norway post-refit in 2011, Eos remains a private masterpiece, with 3,600 square meters of sail and a top speed of 16 knots.

Specifications:

Eos’s sleek design and private nature make it a standout, though its secrecy adds an air of mystique.

6. Athena | 90m

Built by Royal Huisman in 2004 for tech entrepreneur Jim Clark, Athena is a three-masted schooner with classic clipper-bow styling. Designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder and Dykstra Naval Architects, it reaches 19 knots under sail, thanks to its 2,623-square-meter sail plan. Its mahogany interiors house a large owner’s suite, four guest suites, and a sky lounge, accommodating 10 guests.

Specifications:

Athena’s blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance makes it a timeless icon.

7. Maltese Falcon | 88m

Maltese Falcon, launched in 2006 by Perini Navi for Tom Perkins, introduced the revolutionary DynaRig system. Its three rotating carbon fiber masts carry 2,400 square meters of sail, enabling speeds up to 24 knots. The Ken Freivokh-designed interior blends industrial chic with luxury, accommodating 12 guests. Available for charter, it remains a regatta favorite.

Specifications:

The Maltese Falcon’s innovative rig and striking design keep it in the spotlight.

8. Aquijo | 85.9m

Aquijo, a 2016 collaboration between Vitters and Oceanco, is the world’s largest ketch. Its 85.9-meter aluminum hull and 90-meter masts support 3,995 square meters of sail. Designed by Tripp Design, it features a steam room, sauna, and ocean-view jacuzzi, accommodating 12 guests. Its custom steering system ensures high performance.

Specifications:

Aquijo’s engineering and luxury make it a standout ketch.

9. Sea Eagle II | 81m

Delivered in 2020 by Royal Huisman, Sea Eagle II is the largest aluminum sailing yacht. Designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley, its three-masted schooner rig carries 3,500 square meters of sail. Its modern design and Panamax rigging ensure both performance and elegance.

Specifications:

Sea Eagle II’s sleek lines and advanced rigging make it a modern classic.

10. M5 | 78.4m

Originally launched as Mirabella V in 2004 by Vosper Thornycroft, M5 is the world’s largest sloop. Designed by Ron Holland, its 88.3-meter mast supports 3,380 square meters of sail. Refits in 2013 and 2019 addressed performance issues, including keel adjustments and a new paint job. Its 10.2-meter draft ensures stability.

Specifications:

M5’s single-mast design and recent upgrades keep it competitive.

The Art and Science of Sailing Yachts

The largest sailing yachts are more than just vessels—they are feats of engineering and design. From the eco-friendly Black Pearl to the historic Sea Cloud, each yacht tells a story of innovation and ambition. Their builders, including Oceanco, Royal Huisman, and Perini Navi, push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating vessels that balance performance, luxury, and safety. Whether it’s the DynaRig of Maltese Falcon or the towering masts of Koru, these yachts capture the imagination of sailors and spectators alike.

For those seeking to experience these giants, chartering options like Maltese Falcon, Aquijo, and Sea Eagle II offer a glimpse into their world. While their price tags—ranging from $100 million to $600 million—reflect their complexity, their true value lies in their ability to harness the wind and sail into history.

Happy Boating!

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